Falcons Fall Flat in Opener; Fall to Bucs at Home 31-24

The second-year quarterback bounced back from an early interception to throw four touchdowns passes, leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a 31-24 victory Sunday over the Atlanta Falcons in a season-opening matchup between NFC South rivals.

“Good guys win,” quipped Koetter , still dripping with Gatorade after a victory splashing. “Let’s do it 15 more times this year.”

That might be far-fetched, but at least the Bucs can boast of a winning record for the first time since the 2012 season, when they started 6-4.

Winston presented his new coach with the game ball.

“It was very important that we made him feel the moment was special, not only for him but for us,” the quarterback said.